As of last week, Illinois consumers, patients and family members will be able to search an online database maintained by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to research information about chiropractors, doctors and surgeons throughout the state. Governor Quinn hopes that the new system will improve access to valuable information for individuals when choosing a doctor.

Information that is searchable in the physician database includes a doctor's area and scope of practice, what insurance the doctor accepts, any specialties or certifications the doctor maintains, his or her educational background and any professional activities. Possibly most important, the database also includes any complaints of medical malpractice and whether legal or disciplinary action is pending or has been taken against a specific individual.

Brent Adams, Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation commented that the information provided in the database should be considered a part of a patient's informed consent to treatment. Knowing the background of who is recommending treatment, along with the course of treatment and any medication(s) used, should be considered truly informed consent.

The physician database came back to life thanks to the Patients' Right to Know Act. The former database of physician information was taken down in 2010, despite its providing valuable information to an average of 42,000 Illinois consumers weekly. The information available on the profiler website is self-reported by each physician, and unless noted otherwise, has not been verified or confirmed by the IDFPR.

The searchable database is available at www.idfpr.com, or DoctorInfo.illinois.gov.

Source: IDFPR, "Governor Quinn Helps Illinois Consumers Access
Important Information about their Doctors," 19 October 2011